2020 A Year in Review

16th annual year in review. Holy cow 16 years of this!

What did you do in 2020 that you've never done before?

Goodness. Well I wore a mask 9 months of the year outside of the home. I lived through a global pandemic that is ongoing. The kiddos all did virtual school from March to May. Completed my first half of my MBA program, also online (that was new for me). I expanded into my own business space in February, unexpectedly. I have 5 furnished offices and room to expand. I am even leasing out one. Luckily, it was in same building just different suite. The acupuncturist was retiring there and gave me a very good deal to work up to.

I also started making loads of chunky hand knitted blankets. I think maybe I have made 40-50 this year.

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Actually no.

Did anyone close to you die?
Not close no. But 83 million deaths worldwide from Covid-19 and counting. It's becoming closer and closer to us and there are individuals close to our family who are sick and some in the hospital.

What countries did you visit?
One of these days I might get to answer this. One day...

What would you like to have in 2021 that you lacked in 2020?
A cure from Covid. Recovery as a nation, both physical, emotional, and political. A MBA degree by the end of it.

What date from 2020 will remain etched in your memory and why?
I suppose my 40th birthday on August 23rd. The month of March is very etched being that is when the shutdown happened and also right after I moved into new business space.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Completed my first half of my MBA. Attained my Advanced Certified Autism Specialist. Survival at this point is definitely an achievement. Moved into my own business space. Grew Puzzle Collaborative, slowly due to shutdown. Lots of blankets.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, so far this has been one of the healthiest years for myself and our family. I attribute much of that to wearing masks. I am also taking various supplements and have been doing Herbalife.

What was the best thing you bought?
Tuition, office furniture, books, chunky yarns, and a splurge for my 40th of some professional pictures, including branding ones.

Where did most of your money go?
See above. Also Herbalife shakes and teas.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Growth of my businesses, new space, and my kids getting to back to school in person in August.

What scripture is a theme of 2020?

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

And Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Compared to this time last year are you:
a. Happier or sadder? I am filled with contentment and gratitude. I was content last year. But I feel given the current climate of things, gratitude has definitely increased.
b. Thinner or fatter? Thinner. Despite pandemic, I opted to focus on my health. I didn't run as much, but walked a lot. Lots of shakes and teas. But I feel really good.
c. Richer or poorer? Richer, however like last year, I am investing back into businesses. I definitely had a lot more expenditures.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
I need to do more weight training, but given everything else, I am ok with that.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
I do feel I did much less worrying this year, but it is always something I wish I did less of. There were a couple of classes that worried me far too much. I still got through to this point with a 4.0 so I know it was unnecessary. It's hard to turn off. When I had to jump into the new lease and move, I had so many reservations and fears. I prayed on them and gave it to God. Doing so I realize he has taken care of me.

How did you spend Christmas?
At home with just our 7. It was nice. Parent in laws were supposed to come but got exposed the week prior to the virus. Luckily they never got it. They are supposed to come tomorrow for New Years.

Did you fall in love in 2020?
With new hobbies and books.

What was your favorite TV show?
The Witcher.

What was the best book you read?
I am on book 6 of Harry Potter. Read them all in the past 3 weeks. Hoping to have them all finished by the time school starts back on the 11th. I also read several Jane Austen books. Had to read several textbooks. None I would say were my favs but alas, I had to. Continued reading some autism subject books as well. I did a lot of reading this year.

What was your greatest musical discovery of 2020?

Music got suckier.

What did you want and get?
Grace and growth.

What did you want and not get?
Covid to go away!!!

What was your favorite film this year?
This was a sad year in not being able to go to the movies. Most had to be seen at home. Mulan was good.

What did you do on your birthday?
Celebrated turning 40 with take out and being with family. Not sure that would have been different even without a pandemic.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Covid to go away and to be able to take a real vacation. But I have beach one scheduled for next summer.
How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2020?
More sweaters and t-shirts. A lot more of both.

What kept you sane?
God. Prayer. Reading, Making blankets. Family. Downtime.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Henry Cavill

What political issue stirred you the most?
The election. Thank goodness it is over.

Who did you miss?
Normalcy, being able to gather in groups, even small ones.

Who was the best new person you met?
My intern and therapist hire.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2020.
Never stop growing. Push past the fear. Success happens on the other side.

I'll stick with that since it's good. Just add, don't fear the leap.

What is something shocking that happened this year?
The pandemic and shutdowns. Personally going in on my own on a business lease.